This is the easiest hoodie pattern and tutorial I could come up with. I have tried my best to simplify the method, but still, I believe it is for the intermediate to the advanced seamstress. As promised, we are going to slowly work our way into comfortable workout clothing. This is the first pattern on our “Sew Fit” storyboard.
Hoodies are super popular these days. They are very functional and can be worn not only as work-out wear but also on any trip to the store or just around the house.
This hoodie is a zippered and slightly fitted but is not supposed to be tight, so please pay attention to the finished garment measurements. It is meant to be worn with a tank top and sweatpants which we will be making later.
By far, the best fabric that you can use if you live in a cold place is a fleece like this one, but do not limit yourself to that option alone. There are many other possibilities. I have provided some additional suggestions below.
For my project, I am using jersey knit with this hoodie pattern because I live in the tropics and can't use fleece which would be way too hot. However, if you are mixing textiles for a hip look (which I encourage you to do) make sure you use the heavier fabric on the body and lighter fabric on the sleeves.
Before you print your hoodie pattern, there are three things you need to do:
Wash, iron, and true the fabric. For a more extensive description of truing have a look at this article about Mistakes to Avoid When Cutting Fabric. You need a pre-shrunk fabric because this hoodie pattern is a semi-fitted pattern. If your fabric ravels, sew the edges with your serger before washing to prevent it from getting ruined in the washing machine and place it a large laundry bag. If it does not ravel, but just turn to one side after washing and drying. Your fabric is a candidate for the “raw edge look” and does not require a serger to neaten the seams. You can use a normal sewing machine to finish the entire hoodie.
The second thing you need to do is to have a look at the finished measurements and print the size you want on landscape setting.
Add the seam allowance to the pattern. If you are using a serger or overlocker use a 3/8″ seam allowance.
I will be showing you a way to sew the facing and the zipper jacket at the same time
Pattern pieces not included in the pattern
Facing (trace and draw two (2)) from the pattern
Hem Ribbing one (1)
Wrists ribbing two (2)
Pattern layout
Where to find the Hoodie Pattern download and further instructions
To keep page load times fast, we divide long tutorials like this one into multiple pages. You can find the page numbers below the sharing buttons at the bottom of this and subsequent pages. Just click the next page to progress through the tutorial.
I have a question. Would I be able to adapt a ‘Mandarin’ collar on the garment if I chose to make another one without the hood?
Nancy W
I printed the pattern this morning. It looks fantastic. I especially like the raglan sleeves with the dart at the shoulder top. I have fairly broad shoulders but not large shoulder bones. This type of sleeve always fits so much better. I can’t wait to put the pieces together and get started.
I am glad I have read the comments. I will be sure to add seam allowance to my pattern size.
I am grateful for the opportunity to use another of your patterns.
Your photo instructions are very helpful.
Thank you so much for this lovely pattern.
Bett
Hi, and thanks for the pattern!
I have just a quick question, about how to draw and cut the facing and wrist/waist ribbing not included in the pattern. I’m a little scared about doing these wrong.
Can someone tell me what bits of the pattern we’re meant to trace for the facing, what kind of facing we should optimally use, and the sizes to cut and what material to use for the ribbings?
Thank you so very much <3
Susan
Is there a link to download instructions for the hoodie pattern?
Me sew
Add 3 3/4 to where? Your words day bottom but the picture is confusing. Please help
nigel simkin
could this pattern possibly be used for a man as well?
Liz
I would like to use this pattern to make a hoodie, but instead of the suggested cotton linen & jersey knit fabric, I’d like to use a faux fur. Can you please tell me if I would still need a serger machine? Or could I accomplish the pattern using a regular sewing machine?
I just made this. I’m happy with it overall, but differed slightly in construction order: I did the pockets before the zipper, so that the edges were enclosed in the seams. The only issue I had was with the size!! My measurements are 36″ around bust. I wanted space in it, so I made the size to measure 42″. It turned out WAY smaller: finished size is only 32″!!!
Hi Noemie, sadly, I purchased this fabric eons ago at a Spotlight store in Australia. It is a jacquard knit. I leave you the link here https://www.spotlightstores.com/
Sherry
I got this pattern to make for my 16 yr old granddaughter. Had to print patten twice to get scale correct. Cut out for a size 14, which is her size. NOT! It is so small it fits my 8 year old grandson. Good thing I made it out of turtle fleece. He loves it. SO pattern not for adults.
Hi Sherry, the pattern is not to be scaled at all. You can only print any patterns in this blog using adobe acrobat reader. That is the only way the pattern will turn out the size it should.
I wonder if you possibly made the same mistake I nearly made, which was assuming a 5/8′ seam allowance was already built into the pattern – as it is with just about every other ‘commercial’ pattern. The section on ‘no seam allowance included’ can be easily missed if you start cutting, without reading – as I nearly did – the bit at the front before the sewing instructons. I only caught it as I compared the hood section in size to one I alreadly have, and wondered why there was no seam allowance past the grommet for the inner layer.
Mayra, also about the scaling I use adobe photoshop elements to print from as it is more easily adjusted (in 1% increments) if the 2″ square does not equate to exactly 2″. Be aware therefore, that not everybody is using the same printing options.
Hi Angie, I only use adobe acrobat reader as stated in my patterns. They are free, and I use only free programs so people can use them. So yes! I am very happy you know how to account for the differences.
Jai
Hooded cardigan
Charlotte Hampe
Love it bit in Sweden se idé om in sted of inch somtime its hard to change it
Tina M Hobert
Love this pattern. So many different combinations of color and fabric to consider!!
Although, I won’t be attempting this real soon, it’s definitely on my top list for the year. Need to get back into making garments with a few simpler patterns first.
One of the main reasons I used to make a lot of my clothes, is because of my size. I’ve always had a difficult time finding clothes “off the rack” that fit, so I either had to pay to have them altered or do it myself. That can add up quickly. I learned early on, it’s not only less expensive, but much more satisfying to know I’ve done it myself!
The only request I would like to suggest, is to see more patterns which include smaller sizes. I’m 5’3″, and 100-104 pounds. So a size 4 is best, and sometimes a 2, depending on the garment-2’s are next to impossible to find though.
Just something to keep in mind for the future, if you could?
I still do a lot in knitting, and in that particular maker’s community, there’s been a huge increase these past few years for size inclusivity. This should include from the smallest to the largest, in order to cover the greatest number. Would love to see this move forward in sewing as well.
Thank you for all your helpful tips and techniques, as well as the free patterns you so graciously provide. ????????????
(Apologies for the lengthy comment.)
Debbie
Thank u for this perfect pattern. May I ask where the fabric is from? It’s perfect weight for So Florida.
Janie Smith
Retired but love to sew
Meg
Great pattern – and fabulous fabric – where did you find that fabric?
Cindy N
I am loving this hoodie. Finally a hoodie that fits!! The raglan sleeve is just what my narrow shoulders needed, yet my bigger parts fit too. I plan to make more of these. The one small thing I might alter on the next one is to sew the pocket into the zipper and band seam instead of topstitching it all around. Excellent patter – thanks for making it available. I look forward to making more garments from your patterns.
Rae
Hi, I lovr this hootie!!! Where can I find that fabric????
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I have a question. Would I be able to adapt a ‘Mandarin’ collar on the garment if I chose to make another one without the hood?
I printed the pattern this morning. It looks fantastic. I especially like the raglan sleeves with the dart at the shoulder top. I have fairly broad shoulders but not large shoulder bones. This type of sleeve always fits so much better. I can’t wait to put the pieces together and get started.
I am glad I have read the comments. I will be sure to add seam allowance to my pattern size.
I am grateful for the opportunity to use another of your patterns.
Your photo instructions are very helpful.
Thank you so much for this lovely pattern.
Hi, and thanks for the pattern!
I have just a quick question, about how to draw and cut the facing and wrist/waist ribbing not included in the pattern. I’m a little scared about doing these wrong.
Can someone tell me what bits of the pattern we’re meant to trace for the facing, what kind of facing we should optimally use, and the sizes to cut and what material to use for the ribbings?
Thank you so very much <3
Is there a link to download instructions for the hoodie pattern?
Add 3 3/4 to where? Your words day bottom but the picture is confusing. Please help
could this pattern possibly be used for a man as well?
I would like to use this pattern to make a hoodie, but instead of the suggested cotton linen & jersey knit fabric, I’d like to use a faux fur. Can you please tell me if I would still need a serger machine? Or could I accomplish the pattern using a regular sewing machine?
It says it’s unisex
I just made this. I’m happy with it overall, but differed slightly in construction order: I did the pockets before the zipper, so that the edges were enclosed in the seams. The only issue I had was with the size!! My measurements are 36″ around bust. I wanted space in it, so I made the size to measure 42″. It turned out WAY smaller: finished size is only 32″!!!
It looks like you did not add seam allowance to the pattern; am I correct?
This item is gorgeous ! Can you let me know where I can get the fabric ? I like the graphic pattern !!
Hi Noemie, sadly, I purchased this fabric eons ago at a Spotlight store in Australia. It is a jacquard knit. I leave you the link here https://www.spotlightstores.com/
I got this pattern to make for my 16 yr old granddaughter. Had to print patten twice to get scale correct. Cut out for a size 14, which is her size. NOT! It is so small it fits my 8 year old grandson. Good thing I made it out of turtle fleece. He loves it. SO pattern not for adults.
Hi Sherry, the pattern is not to be scaled at all. You can only print any patterns in this blog using adobe acrobat reader. That is the only way the pattern will turn out the size it should.
Hi Sherry,
I wonder if you possibly made the same mistake I nearly made, which was assuming a 5/8′ seam allowance was already built into the pattern – as it is with just about every other ‘commercial’ pattern. The section on ‘no seam allowance included’ can be easily missed if you start cutting, without reading – as I nearly did – the bit at the front before the sewing instructons. I only caught it as I compared the hood section in size to one I alreadly have, and wondered why there was no seam allowance past the grommet for the inner layer.
Mayra, also about the scaling I use adobe photoshop elements to print from as it is more easily adjusted (in 1% increments) if the 2″ square does not equate to exactly 2″. Be aware therefore, that not everybody is using the same printing options.
Hi Angie, I only use adobe acrobat reader as stated in my patterns. They are free, and I use only free programs so people can use them. So yes! I am very happy you know how to account for the differences.
Hooded cardigan
Love it bit in Sweden se idé om in sted of inch somtime its hard to change it
Love this pattern. So many different combinations of color and fabric to consider!!
Although, I won’t be attempting this real soon, it’s definitely on my top list for the year. Need to get back into making garments with a few simpler patterns first.
One of the main reasons I used to make a lot of my clothes, is because of my size. I’ve always had a difficult time finding clothes “off the rack” that fit, so I either had to pay to have them altered or do it myself. That can add up quickly. I learned early on, it’s not only less expensive, but much more satisfying to know I’ve done it myself!
The only request I would like to suggest, is to see more patterns which include smaller sizes. I’m 5’3″, and 100-104 pounds. So a size 4 is best, and sometimes a 2, depending on the garment-2’s are next to impossible to find though.
Just something to keep in mind for the future, if you could?
I still do a lot in knitting, and in that particular maker’s community, there’s been a huge increase these past few years for size inclusivity. This should include from the smallest to the largest, in order to cover the greatest number. Would love to see this move forward in sewing as well.
Thank you for all your helpful tips and techniques, as well as the free patterns you so graciously provide. ????????????
(Apologies for the lengthy comment.)
Thank u for this perfect pattern. May I ask where the fabric is from? It’s perfect weight for So Florida.
Retired but love to sew
Great pattern – and fabulous fabric – where did you find that fabric?
I am loving this hoodie. Finally a hoodie that fits!! The raglan sleeve is just what my narrow shoulders needed, yet my bigger parts fit too. I plan to make more of these. The one small thing I might alter on the next one is to sew the pocket into the zipper and band seam instead of topstitching it all around. Excellent patter – thanks for making it available. I look forward to making more garments from your patterns.
Hi, I lovr this hootie!!! Where can I find that fabric????